We hope to surprise, delight and inspire you as we activate the alleyway!
Downtown Topeka Inc. (DTI) has partnered with Leaping Llamas Artisan Shop and Jayhawk Theatre to deliver vibrant and memorable experiences to all who visit, live, work and play in Downtown Topeka. You are invited on Friday, October 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. to Activate the Alleyway, a celebration of downtown passageways and local artists! Enjoy (and feel free to purchase!) over 20 pieces of original artwork inspired by downtown Topeka. The event will take place in the alley between Kansas Avenue and Jackson Street off 7th Street. In the event of uncooperative weather, the exhibit will be moved to the Jayhawk Theatre Gallery.
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A sneak peek of the artwork you’ll see adorning the alleyway on Friday, October 5.
The 21 artists involved include various artists based in Topeka and three from Lawrence. Artists are: Alicia Van Walleghem, Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, Sara Neiswanger, Christine Pfeffer, Nicole Van Velzen, Beth Pine, Blake Benton, DeAna Morrison, Alexandria Henderson, Michelle Naves, Andrea Nix, Marie Robbins, Emily Hernandez, Megan Harwood, Irene Haws, Penny Morgan, BeGa, Matt Coward, Morgan Chilson, Oshara and Nancy Jones.
“We have a wide range of artists and creative talent showing work for Activate the Alleyway,” says Alicia VanWalleghem, owner of Leaping Llamas. “We also have a mixture of full time artists and part time artists. Artists really gravitated towards this event; a lot of them are using it to get their creative juices flowing, or to help them think differently on current projects.”
Each piece of art is priced at $300. 70% of the sale will go toward the artist, while 30% will go to DTI to benefit future events.
“One of Downtown Topeka, Incorporated’s goals this year was to create an event using one of the unique urban spaces in downtown.” says Vince Frye, president and CEO of DTI. “Activate the Alleyway will generate energy and awareness to an area that is often overlooked yet has a special life of its own.”
Music, lights, food trucks and beverages will transform the alley with an array of artists displaying their interpretations of a vibrant downtown. Be sure to join us during October’s First Friday to activate the alleyway!